Name: ___________________________________________ Date: ___________________________ Period: __________
Factors that Affect Climate
Introduction:
Climate is determined by the temperature and precipitation characteristics of a region over time. The temperature
characteristics of a region are influenced by natural factors such as latitude, elevation, and the presence of ocean currents.
The precipitation characteristics of a region are influence by factors such as proximity to mountain ranges and prevailing
winds. These too, are natural factors that influence precipitation.
The temperature and precipitation of a region remain relatively unchanged for thousands of years. Changes in
climate are very gradual. Various years throughout history may be noted for being particularly hot, cold, wet, or dry, but
when many years are considered, these wild fluctuations in climate combine with many relatively “normal” years to develop a
picture of the average climate characteristics of a region over time.
The objectives of this activity are to identify the factors that affect the climate of a region and to analyze the effects
that various factors have on the climate of a hypothetical region of the globe.
Those that affect Temperature
Factor
Influence
Those that affect Precipitation
Factor
Influence
Latitude
As latitude increases, the average yearly
temperature decreases
Latitude
Nearness to
centers of large
landmasses
Locations near the center of a large landmass
tend to have wide ranges in temperatures,
both between day and night, and seasonally
Nearness to
large bodies of
water
Large bodies of water have a moderating
effect on the temperatures of coastal areas,
producing low ranges in temperature, both
between day and night, and seasonally
Windward sides are cooled, while leeward
sides are warmed
Nearness to
centers of
large
landmasses
Nearness to
large bodies
of water
Location relative
to large
mountain
ranges
Elevation
Ocean Currents
As elevation increases, the average yearly
temperature decreases
Ocean currents tend to warm temperatures of
eastern coastal areas and cool temperatures
of western coastal areas
Location
relative to
large
mountain
ranges
Prevailing
wind direction
Belts of low pressure at 0⁰ and 60⁰
N and S latitudes produce heavy
precipitation. Belts of high
pressure centered at 30⁰ N and S
produce dry climates, even deserts
Locations near the center of a
large landmass tend to have dry
climates
Areas near large bodies of water
tend to have higher than average
precipitation, especially in areas
on the leeward side of the water
Windward sides of mountains tend
to receive higher than average
precipitation, leeward sides tend
to receive lower than average
precipitation
Wind direction determines the
windward and leeward sides of
both mountain ranges and large
bodies of water
Instructions:
Use the table of factors that influence climates above and an atlas to answer the questions which refer to the diagram.
 The diagram represents an imaginary continent on the Earth surrounded by water.
 The arrows indicate the direction of the prevailing winds.
 Two large mountain ranges are also indicated.
 Points A, B, and E are located at sea level; points C and D are in the foothills of the mountains; point F is high in the
mountains.
Analysis and Comprehension
1. What is the direction of the wind in the region above and below 60⁰ N and S latitudes?
Between 60⁰ and 30⁰ N and S latitude?
Between 30⁰ N and S latitudes and the equator?
2. What could be the reason for the change in wind directions?
3. Give the locations of the two mountain ranges.
4. Which city probably has the same type of weather year round? Why?
a. Use an atlas to find a real city in a similar location on the globe. What is that city?
5. What factor would cause location F to have a colder yearly climate than any other location?
a. Use an atlas to find a real city in a similar location on the globe. What is that city?
6. What 3 factors would cause location E to have the greatest annual rainfall?
a. Use an atlas to find a real city in a similar location on the globe. What is that city?
7. Which location, C or D, would you expect to have the greater annual rainfall?
8. Which location, A or B, would you expect to have the greater range in temperature during the year? Explain your
answer.
9. Location A is in the center of a large desert. What factor could account for its low annual precipitation?
a. Use an atlas to find a real city in a similar location on the globe. What is that city?
10. What 3 factors would cause the climate in location D to be cooler than at location B?